US Stock Market Briefing: Monday, April 28, 2025

“Markets Juggle Earnings, Trade Drama, and Economic Data — All Without Dropping the Ball (Yet)

Author

Claude
April 29, 2025

US Stock Market Briefing: Monday, April 28, 2025

Market Recap

US stocks ended Monday with a performance best described as "confused but determined," much like someone wandering a grocery store without a shopping list. The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a 0.3% gain to close at 40,227.59, while the S&P 500 barely inched up by 0.1% to 5,528.75, celebrating its fifth consecutive day of "at least we didn’t fall." The Nasdaq, not wanting to spoil investors with too much optimism, slipped 0.1% to 17,366.13, thanks mostly to tech giants Nvidia and Amazon throwing a mild tantrum[1][2][15][18][19].

Intraday volatility was the theme, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq briefly dipping over 1%, only to remember they had plans later and hurriedly recover. Meanwhile, the Dow bounced back more than 350 points from session lows, reminding everyone just how sensitive the market can be to trade headlines and earnings whispers[10][19].

Market Breadth & Sentiment

  • A cheerful 62.9% of stocks advanced, suggesting investors still feel optimistic—just cautiously so.

  • Impressively, 81.5% of stocks are chilling above their 20-day moving averages, a sign of strong short-term momentum. However, only about a quarter are comfortable above their longer-term averages, indicating the rally might still be getting its confidence back[18].

  • The pace of gains is slowing, signaling traders might be pausing to digest earnings and economic news—or perhaps just stopping for snacks[18].

Key Sector & Stock Moves

  • Nvidia (-2.1%) and Amazon (-0.7%) played spoilers after news broke about Huawei developing rival AI chips—a bit like hearing someone else is bringing the same dessert to your potluck[15][18].

  • IBM (+1.6%) rose, cheered on by its ambitious $150 billion investment plan, likely making other tech companies slightly jealous[18].

  • Tesla (+0.3%) enjoyed a modest bump after Elon Musk reassured everyone he's still very much Tesla’s guy[18].

  • Domino’s Pizza (+0.6%) proved once again that pizza triumphs even amid revenue softening—never underestimate cheese’s power[18].

  • Automakers rallied on softer tariff news from the Trump administration, giving Hyundai and Kia nearly a 2% boost overseas. It seems even cars enjoy lower taxes[18][20].

Year-to-Date Performance (as of Monday)

Index

YTD Change

S&P 500

-6.0%

Dow Jones

-5.4%

Nasdaq

-10.0%

Russell 2000

-11.9%

Major Global News

Geopolitics & Conflicts

  • US-UK airstrikes in Yemen escalated tensions—a friendly reminder that global peace still hasn’t been figured out[3][12].

  • Russia declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine while simultaneously dealing with drone attacks, proving "temporary" is often subjective[12][16].

  • India and Pakistan exchanged more than words at their border—again[12].

  • Power outages caused chaos across parts of Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and France, giving citizens an unexpected candlelit dinner experience[12].

Elections & Policy

  • Canada and Trinidad and Tobago went to the polls, adding more suspense to the international political soap opera[12][16].

  • The Vatican announced a conclave to elect Pope Francis's successor starting May 7, officially kicking off "Papal Election Watch 2025"[12].

Trade & Tariffs

  • The Trump administration softened auto tariffs, a move welcomed by US automakers, though broader US-China tariff talks remain about as clear as foggy glasses[14][18][20].

Key Earnings Announcements: Tuesday, April 29

Prepare your popcorn: earnings season drama continues today.

Before Market Open:

  • Heavy hitters including GM, Visa, Coca-Cola, AstraZeneca, Honeywell, Pfizer, UPS, PayPal, Starbucks (after close), Novartis, HSBC, Booking Holdings, S&P Global, American Tower, and everyone's favorite playlist curator, Spotify[4][5][17].

Selected Highlights:

  • UPS reported slightly down revenue ($21.5B), yet earnings managed to deliver an upbeat 4.2% increase, proving it can handle economic uncertainty as well as it handles your packages[13].

  • AstraZeneca, PayPal, and SoFi expect positive earnings news—keeping investors hopeful and caffeinated[5].

Later This Week:
Get ready for big reveals from Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's. The market will either cheer or panic—no pressure[17].

Federal Reserve & Economic Data

Fed Announcements

  • No Fed rate decision today, but everyone’s eyes are on Friday’s jobs report and inflation data—proving economists are just as good at suspense as Netflix series[6][9][17].

  • President Trump continues nudging the Fed toward rate cuts, but the Fed remains politely unpersuaded due to stubborn inflation and stable jobs[6][17].

Key Economic Releases Today

  • March advanced trade balance

  • February S&P Case-Shiller home price index

  • April consumer confidence

  • April job openings (JOLTS)[17][20]

Market Implications:
Traders will dissect these numbers meticulously, hoping for clear signals but likely just getting more questions.

Other Market-Moving Announcements

  • Technical Indicator: The Zweig Breadth Thrust recently flashed a bullish signal, which sounds vaguely sci-fi but indicates potential market optimism—if earnings cooperate[8].

  • Commodities: Oil prices slipped slightly, while the euro is strengthening against the dollar, currently in a mild identity crisis[14][18].

  • Global Markets: European and Asian stocks moved upward, encouraged by possible tariff relief and strong bank earnings. Auto stocks, however, continue to navigate trade uncertainties like a teenager learning to drive[10][14].

Outlook for Traders

  • Expect continued volatility—it's earnings season, economic data dump week, and trade policy guessing game all at once.

  • Momentum is slowing; traders might take breathers—or extended coffee breaks.

  • Risks: Watch out for tech earnings disappointments, job report jitters, or tariff talk tantrums.

  • Opportunities: Positive surprises could trigger more buying, especially in sectors battered by recent tariff concerns.

In summary:
Keep an eye on today’s heavy hitters for earnings clarity, monitor economic updates, and stay ready for any unexpected trade developments. This week's market is as predictable as a cat video—adorably chaotic.

Sources

[1] Markets News, April 28, 2025: S&P 500, Dow Extend Winning ... https://www.investopedia.com/dow-jones-today-04282025-11723064

[2] How major US stock indexes fared Monday, 4/28/2025 | AP News https://apnews.com/article/dow-jones-sp-nasdaq-box-42ce8d2c532f9b32c8929517fac9812c

[3] Headlines for April 28, 2025 | Democracy Now! https://www.democracynow.org/2025/4/28/headlines

[4] Earnings Calendar - Nasdaq https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/earnings

[6] Fed holds rates steady, takes less confident view on inflation - CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/29/fed-rate-decision-january-2025.html

[7] US stock futures edge up on tariff relief, with earnings and data in ... https://www.reuters.com/business/us-stock-futures-edge-up-tariff-relief-with-earnings-data-focus-2025-04-29/

[11] Wall St closes mixed, gold rebounds amid trade fog - Reuters https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-markets-wrapup-1-2025-04-28/

[12] Portal:Current events/2025 April 28 - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events/2025_April_28

[14] World stocks, dollar nudge higher on U.S. autos tariff relief - Reuters https://www.reuters.com/markets/global-markets-wrapup-1-2025-04-29/

[15] S&P 500 ekes out slight gain with data, megacap earnings eyed https://www.reuters.com/business/us-stock-futures-flat-data-earnings-test-looms-2025-04-28/

[16] Global Developments on April 28, 2025 - by Jacob Redman https://everythingbriefing.substack.com/p/april-28-2025

[17] What To Expect in the Markets This Week - Investopedia https://www.investopedia.com/what-to-expect-in-the-markets-this-week-april-28-2025-11721321

[19] S&P 500 futures are little changed after broad index notches fifth ... https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/28/stock-market-today-live-updates.html

[21] Stock Market News for Apr 28, 2025 - Yahoo Finance https://finance.yahoo.com/news/stock-market-news-apr-28-091300807.html

[22] Stocks Rise in Final Hour of Wall Street Trading: Closing Bell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3wQa73lu7Q

[23] Stocks Climb With Earnings, Economic Data in Focus: Markets Wrap https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-28/stock-market-today-dow-s-p-live-updates

[27] What To Expect in the Markets This Week - Investopedia https://www.investopedia.com/what-to-expect-in-the-markets-this-week-april-28-2025-11721321

[30] Watch Stocks Rise in Final Hour of Wall Street Trading | Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-04-28/bloomberg-the-close-04-28-2025-video

[31] EWTN News Nightly | Monday, April 28, 2025 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DzB4lPAW-w

[32] ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9MmPvDjp88

[33] Top News Headlines for Monday night, April 28, 2025 - Yahoo https://www.yahoo.com/news/top-news-headlines-monday-night-234433651.html

[34] Decision Canada 2025: How did we get here? - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsCSu-FyzAM

[35] Top U.S. & World Headlines — April 28, 2025 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ_vsUi5gNg

[36] Daily Show for April 28, 2025 | Democracy Now! https://www.democracynow.org/shows/2025/4/28

[37] Mark Carney, Liberals will form next government of Canada, Global ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJc8GTOqa8w

[38] April 28, 2025 – Donald Trump presidency news | CNN Politics https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-presidency-news-04-28-25/index.html

[39] The New York Times in Print for Monday, April 28, 2025 https://www.nytimes.com/issue/todayspaper/2025/04/28/todays-new-york-times

[40] Global News - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/globalnews

[41] "CBS Evening News" Full Broadcast | April 28, 2025 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-KkshoGfXw

[42] Election night with CPAC's Michael Serapio – April 28, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJL-Kpt6lUw

[44] Economic Release Calendar | FRED | St. Louis Fed https://fred.stlouisfed.org/releases/calendar

[45] U.S. Treasury yields: earnings reports - CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/us-treasury-yields-earnings-reports.html

[46] No change — Fed Meeting of January 29, 2025 | Texas Capital Bank https://www.texascapitalbank.com/private-bank/insights/fed-meeting-january-29-2025

[47] Company Earnings Calendar - Yahoo Finance https://finance.yahoo.com/calendar/earnings/

[48] The Fed - Meeting calendars and information - Federal Reserve Board https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm

[49] US stock futures edge up on tariff relief, with earnings and data in ... https://www.reuters.com/business/us-stock-futures-edge-up-tariff-relief-with-earnings-data-focus-2025-04-29/

[50] Fed hits pause on interest rate cuts amid Trump's flurry of ... - CNN https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/fed-meeting-january-01-29-25/index.html

[52] Calendar: April 2025 - Federal Reserve Board https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/2025-april.htm

[54] Earnings Calendar - Earnings Whispers https://www.earningswhispers.com/calendar

[55] Fundamental analysis Today April 29, 2025 - Mondfx https://mondfx.com/fundamental-analysis/

[56] U.S. Economic Calendar - MarketWatch https://www.marketwatch.com/economy-politics/calendar

[63] April 2025 - Economic Calendar - Equals Money https://equalsmoney.com/economic-calendar/april

[65] Stock Market News, April 28, 2025: Investors Look for More Tariff ... https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-tod